In response to the growing demand for solutions for low-bearing roofs, Chinese manufacturer DMEGC is presenting an IEC-certified lightweight 460 W module at France’s largest PV fair – EnerGaïa.
Chinese solar manufacturer DMEGC presented a new lightweight rooftop solar panel at the EnerGaïa fair in Montpellier, France.
The DMxxxM10RT-54HBW-LV panel is specially designed for roofs that cannot accommodate standard modules. The new product is built on the classic size of 1,762 mm x 1,134 mm x 30 mm and has an output power of 460 W.
With a weight of less than 7.5 kg/m², the module meets the requirements of vulnerable roof structures often found in industrial, commercial, agricultural and craft buildings. According to the company, the low weight also simplifies on-site handling and shortens installation time.
“We have been working on this solution since September 2024 as many customers expressed the need for lighter modules for roofs with load limitations,” said pv magazine Eric Goubier, technical manager for France and MENA at DMEGC, who developed the module together with development and structural partners. “Our goal was to offer a module that weighs less than 10 kg/m², including the mounting systems.”
Initially, several options were considered, including using a polymer to replace glass for coating the PV cells. “However, this material reacts poorly to UV light over time and yellows, reducing performance,” Goubier explains. “In addition, we were not able to achieve the same anti-reflective coating as on our other modules.”
The company’s R&D team ultimately opted for a more conventional design, using standard 30mm glass, backplate and frame, but with 1.6mm thinner glass compared to the 2mm used in traditional DMEGC modules. Despite the thinner glass, the manufacturer guarantees that the mechanical resistance meets legal requirements, with the module being certified according to IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards.
“Our ambition is to pave the way for the solarization of thousands of square meters of roofs that are currently unusable, in addition to our 24 kg double glazing modules,” said Goubier.
The cells and modules are manufactured and assembled at the Hengdian factory in China. The model is already on the market in Japan and can be reserved in Europe through distributors. The first deliveries are expected at the end of December or beginning of January.
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